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Path-vector routing protocol
Routing algorithm methodology that allows dynamic updates From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Overview
A path-vector routing protocol is a type of routing protocol that maintains entire route information as a sequence of intermediate nodes or Autonomous Systems (AS). This allows routers to detect and discard routing loops by checking for their own identifier in the advertised path, thereby avoiding the "count‑to‑infinity" problem common in distance-vector protocols.[1][2]
Comparison with other protocols
Unlike distance vector routing protocols that advertise only distance, and link state routing protocols that distribute full topology maps, path-vector protocols share both the path (list of ASes) and associated attributes, enabling policy-based decisions. Loop prevention is intrinsic and enforced via path inspection.[3]
Core characteristics
- Path information: Each entry contains full AS-path, next-hop, and policy attributes.[4]
- Loop detection: Routers discard updates containing their own AS in the AS_PATH.[5]
- Policy-based routing: Allows complex filtering, preferences, and attribute manipulation.[6]
- Scalability: Suitable for large-scale networks (e.g., Internet), though convergence is slower compared to link-state protocols.[7]
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
The canonical implementation of a path-vector protocol is Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), used globally for inter-domain routing.[8][9]
Operation
BGP exchanges routing information via TCP port 179. It uses four primary message types—Open, Keepalive, Update, Notification—to establish sessions and carry routing updates. There are two main modes:
- eBGP: Between routers in different ASes.
- iBGP: Within the same AS.[8]
Message attributes
Some key BGP path attributes are:
Path selection
BGP applies a multi-step decision process: 1. Highest weight (Cisco-specific) 2. Highest LOCAL_PREF 3. Prefer locally originated routes 4. Shortest AS_PATH 5. Lowest ORIGIN 6. Lowest MED 7. Prefer eBGP over iBGP 8. Lowest IGP cost to NEXT_HOP 9. Oldest path 10. Lowest BGP router ID [8]
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Advantages vs Limitations
Advantages
- Loop-free by design
- Supports robust policy control
- Scales over global Internet[6]
Limitations
- Slower convergence than link-state protocols
- Large routing tables increase resource requirements
- Susceptible to route flapping (mitigated via damping)[7]
Research & enhancements
Academic work has improved understanding of convergence and stability:
- Papadimitriou et al. studied instability in path-vector protocols.[10]
Usage within AS
Though primarily used as an Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP), BGP is also deployed internally as iBGP in large organizations (e.g., ISPs, Facebook, Microsoft) to manage complex routing policies.[11][9]
See also
- Distance vector routing
- Link-state routing protocol
- Interior Gateway Protocol
- Network policy-based routing
References
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